Section 19
My Dear, Dear Brethren, . . .
Why did you throw out that bone of contention? Why did you print that sermon against predestination? . . .Do you not think, my dear brethren, that I must be as much concerned for truth, or what I think truth, as you? God is my judge. I always was, and I hope I always shall be, desirous that you may be preferred before me. But I must preach the Gospel of Christ, and this I cannot now do without speaking about election. . . .
O my dear brethren, my heart almost bleeds within me! Methinks I would be willing to tarry here on the waters forever, rather than come to England to oppose you.
Whitefield to John and Charles Wesley,
from aboard ship, as it approached England
March 1741
